Why do Christians struggle to fully trust and obey God?

Living a life of faith and obedience to God is a central tenet of Christianity, yet many Christians find themselves struggling to fully trust and obey Him. This struggle is not unique to our modern times; it has been a part of the human experience since the beginning. Understanding why this struggle exists requires a deep dive into the nature of faith, the human condition, and the spiritual journey that Christians embark upon.

One of the primary reasons Christians struggle to fully trust and obey God is the inherent nature of faith itself. Faith, by definition, involves a degree of uncertainty and trust in the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (ESV). This assurance and conviction are challenging to maintain consistently, especially in a world that often values empirical evidence and tangible results over spiritual conviction and unseen promises.

The human condition also plays a significant role in this struggle. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has grappled with sin and its consequences. The Apostle Paul poignantly describes this internal battle in Romans 7:19-20: "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me" (ESV). This passage highlights the ongoing conflict between our sinful nature and our desire to live righteously. Even with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are not immune to the temptations and weaknesses that come with being human.

Moreover, the world we live in presents numerous challenges to fully trusting and obeying God. Society often promotes values and lifestyles that are contrary to biblical teachings. Materialism, self-reliance, and instant gratification are just a few examples of cultural norms that can erode our trust in God's provision and timing. Jesus himself warned about the dangers of worldly influences in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (NIV). The competing priorities and distractions of the world can make it difficult to maintain a steadfast focus on God.

Another factor contributing to this struggle is the presence of doubt and fear. Doubt can arise from various sources, including unanswered prayers, personal suffering, and the apparent success of the wicked. The psalmist Asaph wrestled with these feelings in Psalm 73, where he initially envied the prosperity of the wicked but ultimately reaffirmed his trust in God's justice and goodness. Fear, on the other hand, can paralyze us and prevent us from stepping out in faith. The Bible repeatedly addresses the issue of fear, with over 300 verses encouraging believers to "fear not." One such verse is Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (ESV). Despite these assurances, fear can still be a powerful deterrent to trusting and obeying God fully.

The process of sanctification, or becoming more like Christ, is another aspect of the Christian journey that involves ongoing struggle. Sanctification is a lifelong process that requires intentional effort, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (ESV). This verse underscores the cooperative nature of sanctification, where believers must actively participate in their spiritual growth while recognizing that it is ultimately God who empowers them. The gradual nature of this process means that struggles with trust and obedience are to be expected as believers grow in their faith.

Furthermore, spiritual warfare is a reality that Christians must contend with. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (ESV). Satan and his forces actively seek to undermine our faith and obedience to God. Temptations, accusations, and deceptions are some of the tactics used to weaken our resolve and lead us astray. The armor of God, described in Ephesians 6:13-18, is essential for withstanding these spiritual attacks and remaining steadfast in our trust and obedience to God.

In addition to these internal and external factors, personal experiences and individual temperaments can also influence one's ability to trust and obey God. Past traumas, disappointments, and broken relationships can create barriers to trust, not only in human relationships but also in one's relationship with God. People who have experienced betrayal or abandonment may find it particularly challenging to believe in God's faithfulness and goodness. Similarly, individuals with a naturally skeptical or analytical disposition may struggle more with the concept of faith, which often requires embracing mystery and uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, there are several ways that Christians can cultivate a deeper trust and obedience to God. First and foremost, immersing oneself in God's Word is crucial. The Bible is replete with stories of God's faithfulness, promises, and instructions for righteous living. Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (ESV). Regularly reading, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture can strengthen our faith and provide guidance for obedience.

Prayer is another vital practice for developing trust and obedience. Through prayer, believers can communicate with God, express their doubts and fears, and seek His guidance and strength. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (ESV). Prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God and helps believers to rely on Him more fully.

Community and fellowship with other believers are also important for spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts Christians to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (ESV). Being part of a supportive and accountable Christian community can provide encouragement, wisdom, and practical help in the journey of faith.

Additionally, reflecting on God's past faithfulness can bolster trust in His future provision. Remembering how God has worked in one's life and the lives of others can serve as a powerful reminder of His reliability. The Israelites were often reminded to remember God's deeds, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 8:2: "And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness" (ESV). Recalling God's faithfulness in the past can inspire confidence in His continued faithfulness.

Lastly, embracing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit is essential. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and obey God's commands. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers yield to the Holy Spirit, these qualities become more evident in their lives, enabling them to trust and obey God more fully.

In conclusion, the struggle to fully trust and obey God is a multifaceted issue rooted in the nature of faith, the human condition, worldly influences, doubt and fear, the process of sanctification, spiritual warfare, and personal experiences. While these challenges are significant, Christians can take heart in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. By immersing themselves in God's Word, engaging in prayer, participating in Christian community, reflecting on God's faithfulness, and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can grow in their ability to trust and obey God, experiencing the abundant life that He promises.